Jordan looked small.
It just hit me over and over. What stuck was how tiny he seemed lying there. Almost like he'd turned back into that little brother I used to escort each morning gripping my fingers tight at every corner, trusting every word I said about staying safe.
I'd spent years feeding him lies seems like it lasted his entire childhood.
I slumped in that lousy seat, eyes on his slow breaths. The docs claimed he'd stay out for ages.
My phone wouldn't stop vibrating. Then Bishop messaged, new info came through. They found the spot. Whenever you're set, we move.
Typed back: Soon.
At first, I needed to handle things with the officer. Then came sorting out what went down.
Stone was still there. Of course he was. Guys like him, the kind who spot your lies right away don't walk out till they've grabbed what they came for. Or believe they have.
Spotted him in the cafeteria around four A.M., just sitting there by himself, sipping weak coffee under harsh lights. There was a file laid out on the table. The moment I stepped inside, he noticed his posture went from loose to tense almost instantly.
"Ms. Vega." He gestured to the chair across from him. "Want some coffee? It's awful but it's hot."
"I don't drink hospital coffee." Sat down anyway. Crossed my legs. Ignored how my dress pulled tight over the dried bloodstains. "What're you still doing here, Detective? Thought you'd be home by now."
"Waiting for you." He closed the folder. "Figured you'd come back once your brother was settled."
"That's knowing how people work." He leaned back, studying me with those eyes that missed nothing. "You're the type who needs to handle loose ends before you can rest. And I'm a loose end."
"You're definitely something."
Corner of his mouth twitched. Almost a smile. "So let's talk. No recording devices, no backup, no Miranda rights. Just two people having a conversation about a really bad night."
"Nothing to talk about." Kept my voice bored. "Some people tried to kill me. They failed. You'll investigate, won't catch them, life goes on."
"Not even close." He pushed the folder toward me. "Want to see what I've been working on?"
Didn't touch it. "Should I call my lawyer?"
"You can call whoever you want. But I think you'll want to see this first."
Even though it felt wrong and honestly, I rarely got things wrong, I clicked on the file.
Pic after pic, blurry, zoomed-in snaps of side streets, vehicles. The Eastside Scorpions up to their usual moves.
Then, right in the center of the pile, sat a picture, the same dark SUV from later that night. It was sitting near a small corner store. The date on it showed it had been taken three days earlier.
"We've been watching them for months," Stone said quietly. "Small operation. Mostly weed and pills. But ambitious. Trying to move up."
He took a different picture out.
This moment froze me inside.
That time? Yeah, it was me. I'd just stepped out of one of my places salon, you know. Must've grabbed it right from the car. No clue at first, but turns out someone was tracking me.
"Found this on a burner phone we recovered last week," Stone continued. "Along with photos of your brother, your business partner Maya, detailed notes on your schedule. They weren't just planning this. They were studying you."
Tried to keep my face blank. So you're sharing this with me, what's the reason?
"Because I want you to understand something." He leaned forward. Intense. "These people aren't playing. They did their homework. Knew where you'd be, who you'd be with, exactly how to hurt you."
"So arrest them."
"For what? Taking pictures? That's not illegal. The SUV was stolen, no physical evidence tying them to the shooting. No witnesses willing to talk." He spread his hands. "It's all circumstantial."
"Then we're done here." Started to stand.
"The lack of fear in your eyes is interesting."
Sat down carefully. "Sorry, what?"
"Most people who just survived an assassination attempt?" He tilted his head. "They're terrified. Shaking. Jumping at shadows. But you? You're not scared. You're angry. Cold fury. Barely contained."
He paused.
"That tells me this isn't your first time."
"Maybe I'm in shock."
"Maybe." His eyes never left mine. "Or maybe you're already planning your response. Already calculating how to hit back."
The air around us crackled. It was like we played chess just not on the same board, yet our moves still crossed paths.
"You don't know me, Detective."
He got to his feet. Just as tall as me, even with heels on. Still catching on though it's happening quick
We stayed put, right in front of each other, near enough to spot the little golden specks in his dark eyes. That small mark on his chin. The way his heartbeat moved slow under his skin. Not scared. Didn't flinch.
A faint hint of respect crept in unwelcome, yet there.
"Let me tell you what I see," he said. Voice dropping low. Almost intimate. "I see a brilliant woman who built an empire from nothing. Takes care of her people. Carries herself like royalty but fights like she's got something to prove."
He paused.
"I also see someone playing a dangerous game on multiple boards. And when those pieces collide?" He shook his head. "People get hurt. People like your brother."
"You threatening me?"
"I'm warning you." The distinction seemed to matter to him. "Because whatever you're planning to do to the Scorpions and we both know you're planning something, it won't stay quiet. Won't stay clean. And when it goes public, I'll have to do my job."
"Which is?"
"Catch you."
The truth hit hard. Most officers avoided saying what they meant. Yet Stone made it clear - no hiding: he'd go after me. Only his tools weren't the same ones the Scorpions carried.
"So this is your play?" I asked. "Come at me direct? Hope I'll fold?"
"No." He smiled and it changed his whole face. Made him look younger. More dangerous. "This is me being honest about the game we're playing. You're smart enough to know the rules. Smart enough to know I won't stop."
"And what makes you think I care?"
"Because you care about your brother. Your people. Your empire." He stepped closer. Invading my space. "And I'm betting there's still enough of the real woman under that crown to want to protect them."
I should've pulled away. But no I stood firm, lifted my jaw, faced him straight on.
"You think you got me figured out, Detective?"
"I think we're the same." Voice going soft. Dangerous. "Both playing roles. Both willing to cross lines. Only difference is I wear a badge."
"Big difference."
"Is it though?"
My phone vibrated - Bishop once more. Time running out.
Had to get going. If startled, the Scorpions might split up. Keeping them boxed in was key. Getting my point across mattered before rumors hit the block.
"This has been fun, Detective Stone." Stepped back. Breaking whatever spell was weaving between us. "But I got a business to run and a brother to sit with. So unless you're arresting me...?"
He gave me a card. Simple, white one. Only had his name and digits on it. "Call when you're set to chat to actually open up."
"Why would I do that?"
He glanced my way. Then his face changed a bit. Kinda seemed like guilt sneaking through.
"Because whoever did this wasn't trying to scare you, Selina. They were trying to erase you." He paused. Let it sink in. "You know who. Don't you?"
That's when it showed up just like that. The actual thing everyone wondered about.
I might fib. Stick to the act. Act clueless.
Maybe I'd just admit the truth we both saw I already knew who'd tried to take my life, and soon they'd wish they'd never existed.
I grinned real slow. Ice in my eyes. Made sure he saw the ruler behind the face.
"Detective Stone," I said, "I don't have the slightest idea what you're talking about."
He grinned right at me. Then it hit me, he was into this. Into the challenge. Enjoying every bit of going up against someone who could keep up.
"Then I guess we'll be seeing a lot more of each other."
"Guess so."
Started moving off. Felt his eyes stuck to me. Could tell he was guessing what I'd do next.
Hoping it works out, Detective. While you're still catching up, I've already made my next three steps on a field you didn't notice existed.
Yet by the lunchroom entrance, he called out made me pause.
"Be careful, Selina."
"Everybody's got something to lose." His eyes held mine. "Question is whether you're willing to risk it."
Walked away mid-talk. Not every query earns an honest reply.
Outside, dawn began creeping up. Thin light, sharp air. Draping the streets in dull tones. Far off, the Scorpions might've been laughing by now maybe believed it was over most likely didn't sense the chaos closing in.
Pulled out my phone, sent Bishop a quick message: Light them up.
Later, I headed back to Jordan's room. I stayed there with my little brother. We just sat, quiet-like. Kept waiting knew the yelling would kick off any second.
Besides, Detective Marcus Stone got something correct - I felt no fear.
I was furious.
Fury, when guided right, became the deadliest tool on Earth yet only if controlled. While anger misdirected caused chaos, shaped rage could strike sharper than any blade.
The game was different now.
I'd started late, so I had to hustle just to keep up.